MEMBERS THOMAS G. KIENBAUM
CHAIRPERSON JAMES M. CAMERON, JR. VICE-CHAIRPERSON ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D.
SECRETARY ANDREA L. SOLAK CARL E. VER BEEK CRAIG H. LUBBEN SYLVIA P. WHITMER, Ph.D LAWRENCE G. CAMPBELL DULCE M. FULLER
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
JOHN F. VAN BOLT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MARK A. ARMITAGE DEPUTY DIRECTOR JENNIFER M. PETTY LEGAL ASSISTANT
211 WEST FORT ST. SUITE 1410 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHONE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571 WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 09-80-GA Notice Issued: February 16, 2012 Rochelle J. Thompson, P 65997, Flint, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board, affirming the order of suspension and supplemental order of restitution issued by Genesee County Hearing Panel #4.
1. Suspension - 35 Months 2. Effective September 14, 2011 1 Respondent filed an answer to the formal complaint and appeared at the hearing. Based on the testimony and exhibits presented, the panel found that respondent had committed professional misconduct in an adoption matter when she failed to provide competent representation, in violation of MCR 9.1 04 (A)(4) and MRPC 1.1; handled a legal matter which she knew or should have known that she was not competent to handle without aSSOCiating with a lawyer who was competent to handle it, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (a); neglected a matter entrusted to her, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); counseled her clients to engage in conduct she knew was fraudulent or illegal, in violation of MRPC 1.2(c); failed to keep her clients reasonably informed about the status of their matter and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); and failed to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit her clients to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(3); violated or attempted to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, in violation of MRPC 8.4(a); and engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit and misrepresentation, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b). The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 35 months. A subsequent motion to include an order of restitution was granted by the panel.
Respondent filed a petition for review. On August 2, 2011, the Attorney Discipline Board issued an order granting respondent's motion for stay of discipline on an interim basis. On August 23, 2011, after further consideration, the Board ordered that the interim stay be terminated, effective September 14, 2011.
1Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since September 14, 2011. Please see Notice of Suspension, issued September 22, 2011.
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February 17, 2012
STATE OF MICHIGAN. ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
Page 2
Following a review hearing on November 9, 2011, the Board issued an order on January 17, 2012, affirming the hearing panel's order of suspension and restitution. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $12,746.43.
-Dated: FEB 17 D; ~~~---------------